We meet two women with very different perspectives about this man, Sisera. His mother and the woman who killed him. It’s a bit interesting that Jael wasn’t even one of the Israelites being oppressed. However, we understand that her people, the Kenites, were allies with the Israelites and had some family tie back to Moses. Yet, her tribe was also known to be on friendly terms with Sisera’s boss, the king!
Jael was in an interesting place to be sure. We know that Deborah spoke God’s plan aloud to Barak that the victory would come at the hand of a woman. We can then be confident God knew in advance he would be using Jael that day. I’m not sure Jael got out of bed that day thinking she would be the “most blessed among women.”
Jael’s claim to fame was her bravery and resourcefulness. I’m not sure how I would have done with that task. Yet, God has a way of using us, preparing us, and empowering us when we feel weak. I look back at times in my life and think, “wow!” That certainly wasn’t me! That had to be God! Think of a time when you’ve been “wowed” by God’s provision in your life.
On the other hand, we see Sisera’s mother is impatiently waiting for her son’s return. Her mother’s intuition was spot on in sensing that her son was not safe. Try as she might to imagine he was delayed for good reasons, it was a struggle to stay positive.
I can remember a night when I was waiting for my son to come home. He had been out with friends, and he wasn’t answering his cell phone. He hadn’t me called either to let me know his plans had changed. Not a lot of sleeping happened that night! In my head I knew God was protecting him (and me), but sometimes we can’t reason with our own fears and worries. I can identify with Sisera’s mother on some level (but thankful my son came home in the morning).
Thankfully, our story does not take us to the detail of her actually hearing the news about her son. We can only imagine how that played out. But there will always be casualties of war. Unfortunately for Sisera and his troops, this was never a battle they were going to win.
There are always two sides to every story. There are lives that are impacted in different ways with the same event. Those are two truths that will not change. For some, this story had a happy ending. For this mother, I extend my condolences. As a Christ follower, I’m more in the happy camp watching God’s story unfold.
We see that for those who do not believe in God, there will be consequences. That’s also still as true today as it was for the families of Sisera and the others destroyed that day in battle. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want anyone to be left behind to suffer the consequences of not following Jesus. I feel like it’s my responsibility to share my faith so that others will know the truth of the gospel.
What about you? How are you going to apply this story to your life?
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for how you provide for your people. You know what’s best for us before we do. Thank you for your mighty wisdom and works displayed in this story. Please fill me with the courage to face my battles knowing you are there beside me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
